Welcome, listeners, to “Things to do in New York City” on Saturday, October 18, 2025! Ollie Bennet here, your jet-lagged, laugh-loving sports and adventure fiend, bringing the wild, wonderful, and weird straight from the whirling heart of Gotham on a golden autumn morning.

Today, New York’s vibe is electric: expect crisp 60s, bright skies, and the city humming like a jazz saxophonist hopped up on espresso. The leaves are flickering amber in Central Park, and there’s enough action crackling through the boroughs to make your socks do the cha-cha.

Now, limber up for this parade of epic events. First, it’s Open House New York Weekend, opening the doors to over 300 destinations—think secret tunnels, rooftop gardens, and behind-the-scenes wonder that makes you feel like a superhero with a backstage pass. Most of the stops are free, so channel your inner explorer, power walk through new architectural marvels, peek into reclusive art spaces, and get the scoop on the projects shaping NYC’s future—no cape required, just comfy shoes according to the festival’s website.

For foodies and early risers, Carrot Express Lexington is dishing out complimentary healthy breakfast and possibly the hottest matcha in Midtown until 11am—Ollie’s pro tip: grab a free bite and pretend you’re a fancy Wall Street trader on a juice cleanse.

If your Saturday needs more sizzle, head to Santo Taco in SoHo for the BERO Block Party. Tom Holland’s non-alcoholic beer brand is celebrating its birthday with wild NA brews, a DJ, and free snacks curated by The Infatuation. Grab an exclusive zucchini taco, jam out, and swag up with stellar snacks and limited-edition goodies—all while tracks pump and the crowd vibes.

Techies and eco-warriors, Back Market’s International Repair Day is flipping the script on planned obsolescence with laptop revivals, retro giveaways, art exhibits, Y2K tattoos, and DJ sets at their Broadway shop. You might leave with a fresh OS, a tattoo, and a heart full of sustainability.

Don’t forget—Times Square is popping off with the Shin Ramyun × K-Pop Demon Hunters collab. Free noodles, K-pop energy, and one-of-a-kind Shin swag for 300 lucky fans. Line up, strike a pose, and taste a bowl that’s hot enough to rival Madison Square Garden on game night.

Tonight, Tate McRae’s Miss Possessive Tour rocks Madison Square Garden. She’s sharing the stage with Zara Larsson and Alessi Rose, so get ready for pop grooves and laser lights so dazzling, they could wake up the lions at the Bronx Zoo.

Families rejoice! The Metropolitan Museum of Art is holding Fall Fest, Brooklyn Bridge Park beckons with Harvest Fest, and Bank Street’s Fall Fair promises bites and games galore. There’s free basketball clinics, street art workshops, and pumpkin magic for everyone from toddlers to tall folks who still love candy corn.

News flash for food-loving adventurers: Laura Geller Beauty’s pop-up is dazzling the city in Meatpacking with makeup demos, free gelato, and gift bags, while Theory’s Theories Magazine debut offers exclusive pretzel croissants and edgy style at Gansevoort Street. Subway service is smooth today, so cruise between events like a pro.

Must-do city highlights? Amble along the High Line for panoramic leaf-peeping, snap a selfie at the Seaport Pumpkin Arch overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge (it lights up after dark!), and don’t miss the magic of a Central Park running session—Ollie swears you’ll meet a marathoner, a jazz dancer, and at least three poodles.

Hot tip from your globe-trotting pal: NYC tap water is world-class. Bring a reusable bottle, fill up at the dozens of clean fountains, and strut around with a swagger only a hydrated explorer can muster.

Coming up soon: The Brooklyn Dribble basketball parade, Halloween at IKEA Brooklyn, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze lighting up the Hudson like a pumpkin bonanza. Make sure to...